What are your career goals?

Hi Duncan,<br><br>I have been a finance journo for 4 years. I'm looking to transition into digital marketing, with a focus on learning Python as an additional skill. I haven't decided on a specific industry yet and plan to adapt based on opportunities. <br><br>My sole objective is to secure a job in France after studies, maybe get internship after 3 months of starting studies and obtain Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour after completion of program. I'll also be dedicating 80% of my time to learning French until September.&nbsp;<br><br><br>

Given your focus on data-driven marketing, EMLyon is a better curriculum. However, Paris is much worse setting for learning French than Lille or Lyon, and EDHEC has better careers services.

Got it. If I prioritise reputation and prestige for employers, which one should I choose between EDHEC and Emlyon?<br><br>I understand this is not a fair question to ask as there are many elements. On one side, EMlyon's emphasis on data sci appeals to me and on another, EDHEC's significant jump in ranking, reputation and its location in Lille is massive plus.&nbsp;

This requires some more concrete analysis. EDHEC makes sense if your French is weak or if you have weaker connections in France and need stronger career services. EMlyon makes sense if your French is excellent or if you need to improve on digital skills. Both schools serve different industries: EDHEC is very strong with luxe, and EMLyon is strong with biotech, for example. LinkedIn analysis can show you that. See: https://www.find-mba.com/board/33571 <br>
Broadly speaking, if you don't speak French well now, I would recommend an intensive year-long French course at a state university rather than an MSc taught in English. See: https://www.find-mba.com/board/34713 Maybe also try this sort of analysis: https://find-mba.com/board/general-forum/best-msc-mim-degrees-for-international-students-placement-52915

Other things being equal, I would pick Lyon over Paris or Lille as a location. This programme comes to mind https://www.esdes.fr/en/welcome/programs/master-marketing-digital-business/ <br>
EDHEC's rise isn't really a jump: that's a long, steady rise since it bought Theseus 20 years ago. See https://find-mba.com/board/europe/i-visited-edhec-29708 Clearly, the huge financial advantage EDHEC created by the sale of its risk IP has created a long-term advantage that EMLyon won't overtake.

Looks like its more about individual preference than anything else. <br><br>Ack on language couse but I dont think I have enough resources to last two years studying in France without a job. I am starting language school in Montpellier from feb till aug, hoping to grasp as much as i can in 6 months and then maybe continue at a slower pace during studies.&nbsp;<br><br>Paris wasn’t my first preference to study ngl but the curriculum at Emlyon looks more relevant to what I am looking for. Figured I can’t have everything.<br><br>Thanks for your time and guidance, Duncan.&nbsp;

I looked at the Montpellier and UCLy universities for my intensive French course because they are both FLE certified, have great reviews, and have strong price performance. I chose UCLy because I know Lyon well (and had been accepted by EMLyon before attending LBS). However, Montpellier has air conditioning and I should have chosen it on that basis alone!

I wonder if there's a big difference between studying language at uni and a private school. They seem pretty similar in terms of cost, and course structure.&nbsp;Figured schools would have smaller batches tho.<br>&nbsp;<br>I am looking at LSF. Anything important I might be missing?

I would imagine a subsidised state uni might have better price performance than a private language school, but your experience might differ. ILCF Lyon was under €250 a week and private schools were around €350.